The University of Miami men’s basketball team lost to No. 9 BYU, 72-62, on Thursday night in the first round of the Terry Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, Florida.
Miami held a four-point lead at halftime, 33-29, after holding BYU to just four points over the final six minutes and twenty seconds of the first half. The Hurricanes went on a 7-0 run late in the half, capped by a Shelton Henderson three-point play.
BYU responded after halftime, taking a 42-40 lead with just under sixteen minutes left in the game. The Cougars extended their advantage to as much as nine points during a stretch when Miami was held without a field goal for six minutes. BYU’s largest lead was fourteen points with under seven minutes remaining. Miami reduced the deficit to seven points with ninety seconds left but could not close the gap.
Malik Reneau led Miami with 14 points and nine rebounds. Henderson contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Tre Donaldson added 12 points and three steals.
Miami outscored BYU in the paint, 34-24, but shot only 37.9 percent from the field compared to BYU’s 45.5 percent. BYU made nine of nineteen attempts from beyond the arc.
The Hurricanes will play again Friday at 7 p.m., facing either Dayton or Georgetown. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2.
